Advisory Board

Michael Aubry teaches Introduction to Business, Business Communication, Entrepreneurship, Economics and Management full-time at Cuyamaca College. Michael earned his Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, a Master’s degree from National University. His Doctorate in Business Administration is from Alliant International University. In addition to his service on the SDCEE Advisory Board, Michael serves on the Business Education Statewide Advisory Committee on which he has overseen mini-grants, worked on collaborative topics with faculty throughout the state, and created new curriculum with a focus on social media and sustainable business.Prior to his time at Cuyamaca College, Michael served in the United States Air Force and worked in the field of accounting and finance.,He has also done consulting with small universities and colleges in the greater Southern California area to ensure they are meeting accreditation requirements.

Spencer Burrows, J.D. is the Assistant Director of SDCEE, and teaches high school Economics and Business at Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad, CA, where he was a finalist for City of Carlsbad High School Teacher of the Year in 2023. He also instructs graduate-level courses in International Trade and Economics, Foundations in Finance, Essential of Advertising, Global Business Perspectives: Focus on China, Introduction to Business Principles and Organizations, Crisis Management and Reorganization, and Legal and Ethical Issues in the Global Marketplace at San Diego University For Integrative Studies. Burrows was selected as a mid-career professional in the LA-area to train in a collaborative and experiential nine-month cross-sector leadership and policy fellowship as a Coro Lead LA Fellow and co-authored a policy memorandum for the California State Legislature making recommendations how to improve teacher development and retention as a Teach Plus California State Policy Fellow. He serves on the Board of Directors of TEACH Public Schools in South Los Angeles, and helped launch Crete Academy, a charter elementary school for homeless and low-income children in South Los Angeles. Burrows earned his B.A. from UCLA, and J.D. from University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Zoe Callaway is the Director of Education at the Tax Foundation. She was previously executive director of an issue advocacy organization that advocated for lower taxes, mindful state spending, and better accountability and transparency in government in her home state of Delaware. Prior to that, she worked in the Delaware State Legislature as a Communications Specialist while completing an MA in Urban Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Delaware, where she also earned a BA in American History with a minor in Political Science.

Claudia Caywood currently holds a position as a Financial Well-Being Coach at Operation HOPE, a financial literacy Non-Profit Organization that provides economic empowerment tools and services. She joined Operation HOPE because of her interest in social and economic justice and Operation HOPE’s mission to combat poverty and to provide upward mobility opportunity.  She received her B.A. at California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM) with a degree in Criminology and Justice Studies, and a Minor in Sociology. She also received her Master of Advanced Study (M.A.S.) in Criminology, Law, and Society from the University of California, Irvine (UC, Irvine). While at CSUSM, she conducted research and was named research assistant on the publication of Juvenile Delinquency in a Diverse Society, by Kristin A. Bates and Richelle S. Swan. Her interest in social justice makes it easy for her to stay focused and involved in today’s most difficult social issues of the time, including poverty and economic empowerment that Operation HOPE holds a strong commitment to.

Tere Ceseña Bontempo, PhD, is the History-Social Science Resource Teacher for San Diego Unified School District, developing 12th grade Government and Economics courses that weave the principles of Ethnic Studies into both their content and pedagogy. Tere was born and raised in Riverside, CA. As the youngest of five children in a long line of teachers, her love for learning and education started when she was very young. Tere graduated from UC Riverside with a degree in Anthropology and Ethnic Studies and she earned her PhD in Ethnic Studies at UC San Diego. She has taught writing and Ethnic Studies at UC San Diego and the University of San Diego, 12th grade English and Government through an Ethnic Studies lens at High Tech High Chula Vista, taught courses in Literacy Development and English Language Arts Methods for the HTH Graduate School of Education and the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego. As a teacher, she has always been committed to teaching all students, and encouraging them to consider the outside world as an extension of the classroom.  She believes that it’s only when students (and teachers) feel seen, heard, and represented in school that they begin to experience a sense of purpose and empowerment, and in turn become stewards of their own lifelong education.

Marianna Davidovich is an education entrepreneur and the Director, External Relations at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE.org). Prior to her current position at FEE, she served as the lead curriculum developer for FEE's Character and Values Initiative. Marianna has served as a Russian instructor for the U.S. Air Force, taught ESL and U.S. Citizenship for the Jewish Family and Career Services, and was an educational consultant and board member with charter schools. 

She came to the US as a baby with her family as part of the Soviet Jewish exodus as political refugees from Ukraine. Marianna was raised in an entrepreneurial family and her family owes their success to the equal opportunities under the law allotted by her adopted country's constitution. 

She enjoys business strategy, contract negotiations, relationship cultivation, creative marketing, and giving talks on the dangers of Communism and Socialism. For fun, Marianna is an accomplished ballroom and Latin dancer and teacher. She also enjoys international travel and reading about positive psychology and Aristotelian philosophy. She homeschooled her two children and currently travels between Las Vegas, NV and Atlanta, GA. 

Arlys Erickson, MSA, CIA, CFE, CGFM, CDFM, CPEA, started teaching business and management courses for Chapman University and she is currently a faculty member with the University of Phoenix teaching personnel finance, accounting, and auditing undergraduate courses for over 15 years. Arlys is also the Chief Financial Officer for the Mentor Heritage Foundation which provides formation flying teams to memorialize those who gave all and to inspire those who are giving to the country. She spent over four years conducting performance audits for the San Diego City Auditor’s Office. Arlys also spent over 25 years performing and supervising internal and external audits of Department of Defense Financial Statements and internal performance audits for Acuity Consulting, Air Force Audit Agency, and Naval Audit Service.

Howard Eskew spent over 25 years in the financial industry. He held the position of Executive Vice President / Chief Credit Officer for Columbus First Bank, in Worthington, Ohio. He was also one of the founding members of this community bank which began when he and six other colleagues decided that they wanted to start a bank whose focus was on serving the small business community. Howard currently serves as Associate Professor at San Diego Mesa College in the Business Department. His focus is on business, accounting, entrepreneurship, and personal finance. Howard has a strong passion for providing financial education to everyone. He drives the financial literacy efforts at Mesa College and created the Financial Literacy Speaker Series, a five part series that covers a myriad of topics in personal finance that is open to the entire campus community. He also coordinates the Financial Opportunity Clinic. Howard is a strong partner and advocate for the community. In addition to servicing on the SDCEE Advisory Board, he also services on the boards of the San Diego Mesa College Foundation, San Diego Financial Literacy Center, San Diego Workforce Partnership, and the Western Association of Food Chains. Howard holds two bachelor’s degrees: one in Computer Systems and the other in Leadership. He also possesses his MBA and a Master’s degree in accounting. He has been inducted into numerous honor societies and graduated Magna Cum Laude and valedictorian. Additionally, Howard has presented at numerous educational and industry conferences and is a published author. In 2015, Howard received the Outstanding Professor Award at San Diego Mesa College.

Dr. Josue (Josh) Franco is a first-generation college graduate who holds A.A. degrees in economics and political science from Cerritos College, and a B.A. in public policy and M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the University of California, Merced. He served as UC Merced’s 1st Student Body President and 1st Donald A. Strauss Foundation Scholar. He teaches introductory courses in Political Science, U.S. Government and Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, California Government and Politics, Research Methods, and Public Policy, and Microeconomics at Cuyamaca College. Prior to his academic career, he worked for 5 years in the California State Capitol and U.S. House of Representatives for former Lt. Governor and Congressman John Garamendi focused on higher education, transportation and infrastructure, and natural resources.

Denise Gutierrez is President and CEO of the California Council on Economic Education which provides financial literacy and economic training and resources for K-12 teachers in California. CCEE is the only California based nonprofit organization totally dedicated to ensuring K-12 students receive the financial and economic education necessary to be successful in career and life.

She has an extensive background in institutional advancement, fundraising, and corporate and foundation relations. Prior to her tenure at CCEE, Denise worked in the Advancement Office at the University of La Verne and at the College of Business and Economics at Cal State Los Angeles. Denise currently serves on the Board of Directors of California Jump$tart, the Council on Economic Education Network Advisory Committee, and the National Association of Economic Educators Advocacy Committee.

Denise began her educational and professional journey at Chaffey Community College in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. She went on to achieve a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master of Science in Leadership and Management from the University of La Verne. In her free time, Denise enjoys spending quality time with her grandchildren, playing golf, yoga, and reading.

Matt Hayes is the History-Social Science Coordinator at the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), where he works closely with colleagues from across the state to help schools and districts implement the 2016 History-Social Science Framework. Prior to coming to SDCOE in 2013, he worked for the San Diego Unified School District, serving in a variety of capacities including program manager, vice principal, and teacher. When in the classroom, he taught World History, US History, Economics, Government, and World Affairs. He earned his Master's Degree in Educational Administration from National University, his teaching credential from the University of San Diego, and his Bachelor's of Arts in History from UC San Diego. 

Ray Hughel is Director of Education Programs for the Cox School of Business Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom at Southern Methodist University where he is responsible for delivering SMU's Teaching Free Enterprise and E3STEM programs to primary and secondary educators. These programs offer fresh-experience engagement strategies that prepare students for economic environments after graduation. 

Prior to and during his tenure at SMU, Ray researched the economic effects of regulation in healthcare, pharmaceutical and grocery industries. Prior to his position at SMU, Ray spent over 10 years as a high school classroom instructor, primarily teaching economics.

Jennifer Imazeki is a Professor of Economics at San Diego State University where she conducts research in the economics of K-12 education, including work on school finance reform and adequacy, and teacher labor markets. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has published several articles on education policy in a range of professional journals, books and policy outlets. She is an Associate Editor for The American Economist, and the managing editor for Conditions of Education in California, the blog for Policy Analysis in California Education (PACE). Professor Imazeki has also worked on several projects to encourage active learning in economics, particularly using technology and team-based learning, and she writes about teaching economics at economicsforteachers.blogspot.com. She created a course for students working toward their single-subject teaching credential in social science, and a writing course for economics majors.

Rickeena Boyd Kamei is a reflective educator who has worked in a variety of school environments and has been responsible for program planning at the school district level. She has taught students with a variety of needs. She is currently the Intern Service Provider at the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) where she mentors new special education teachers. Prior to her current position at SDUSD, Rickeena was Home/Hospital Teacher: Primary Site- Polinsky Children's Center, Special Education Teacher, Elementary and Middle School, and Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Science Teacher at SDUSD. Rickeena earned her Master of Science in Instructional Leadership from National University and her Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Northcentral University. In addition to her membership on the SDCEE Advisory Board, Rickeena is a member of the advisory board for Greater San Diego Council on the Social Studies, board member of Village of Promise, and education chair for the Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated.

Louie Lange was born and raised in San Diego where he started his career in business administration and finance. He has experience building and developing small businesses and working on a national level with individual clients. He spent four years as an Analyst at another financial services company, working directly with Financial Advisors. Louie’s time with CALPRO has allowed him to work closely with educators and to develop an acute understanding of the CalSTRS/CalPERS pension systems. 

Louie enjoys developing long term plans for clients and focusing on a purpose driven approach to investing and spending. Education Louie holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University Monterey Bay. He also holds FINRA Series 7, Series 66 and Life and Health .Insurance licenses.

Irene Li is the Session XLVII Secretary-General of the San Diego Junior Model United Nations conference. She is a senior at Patrick Henry High School (PHHS) where she is serving her third year as President of the PHHS Model United Nations club. In her time as a delegate, she has received several awards, including Outstanding Delegate awards from Harvard and UC Berkeley. Irene is also a co-chair of the PHHS Link Crew Academics Committee where she oversees a school-wide academic support system.

As a student, Irene hopes to gain a better understanding of the world of economics and how she can help improve her community. She wants to major in political science and aims to pursue a career in law. In her free time, Irene enjoys reading, hanging out with her friends, and looking for cats to pet.

Brett A. Litoff works at San Pasqual Academy, a boarding school for foster youth. He  instructs seminars and workshops that prepare high school students for life post-emancipation. In addition, he teaches current and former foster youth financial literacy throughout the county. For over 15 years he has worked with foster, homeless,  the incarcerated , and socioeconomically disadvantaged youth and young adults focusing on life skills and independent living. Brett earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara in Law and Society and received his Masters Degree in Educational Counseling and Pupil Personnel Service Credential from National University.

Delores Loedel, CMA, is a professor of Accounting at MiraCosta College where she has taught for fourteen years, first as an adjunct and now as a full-time professor. She previously was an adjunct professor for Palomar and Miramar Colleges and in 2012 was awarded the San Diego City College District’s Online Faculty Showcase Award for Excellence in Online Education, a student nominated award. Prior to joining MiraCosta College as faculty, she worked in industry for EDS, General Dynamics, and for Foodmaker, Inc. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.S. and M.S. in Accounting. She also holds certificates in online education from Cerro Coso and Cal State East Bay. Ms. Loedel is currently on a working group at MiraCosta College that is supporting Financial Literacy across the campus.

Dan McDowell is the Director of Learning and Innovation in the Grossmont Union High School District, a lecturer in the Educational and Learning, Design and Technology Department at SDSU, and an educational technology consultant. He is active in the local educational community and regularly presents at workshops and conferences. He spent 18 years as a social studies and photography teacher at West Hills High School.

Scott McGann is a full-time Professor of Economics at Grossmont Community College and a part-time Lecturer at San Diego State University. Prior to teaching, he worked in a variety of mid-level management positions in both the retail and restaurant sectors. Scott acquired his education at SDSU where he earned three degrees and a certificate. His credentials include: BA in Economics, Cum Laude, with Distinction in the Major; MA in Economics; MS in Business Administration; and a Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning. In addition to teaching, he is active in both the financial and real estate industries and is licensed as a California Real Estate Broker and Registered Investment Advisor.

Joshua Mitton is Chief Program Officer at the California Council on Economic Education. He also teaches economics at Irvine Valley College. Joshua was drawn to economics education from the early days of studying the subject. After reading his initial college economics text the first weekend it was assigned, he went on to obtain a B.A. in Applied Economics from Idaho State University. Early work as a tutor for the department kindled an interest in helping others to learn and love economics. A continued passion for the discipline led him to California State University Fullerton and a graduate degree in economics there with further opportunities working as a graduate assistant in the Center for Economic Education. A major focus of his work with CCEE has been ensuring that economics is accessible, practical and empowering for teachers and their students, and that teachers are valued and supported in their efforts. He believes that economics helps make better decisions about how to use their resources to achieve the goals they seek.

Todd Myers is Professor of Political Economy at Grossmont College and lecturer for the Center for Asian Pacific Studies and the Department of Economics at San Diego State University. He is a fellow with the Educational Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and an advisor to the Sahel Research and Strategy Group. Before coming to academia, Todd worked in economic development, publishing, curriculum development, and national security consulting. His research interests focus on state and society relations in the Asia Pacific; Happiness and Economics; Brazil; and the normative grounds of financial architectures. He has a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University emphasizing Political Theory and International Political Economy; an MPA emphasizing Governmental Finance from the E.J. Ourso School of Business, Louisiana State University; and was a DAAD fellow studying at Heidelberg University in the fields of economics, philosophy, and political science.

Christopher O’Byrne is a Professor of Accounting at Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego, CA. He is also a lecturer in Management and Information Systems at San Diego State University (SDSU). His previous teaching assignments included Southwestern College, Argosy University and Remington College. He is a recipient of the Cuyamaca College Award for Teaching Excellence and was honored at the SDSU Order of Omega and Rho Lambda Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day. In addition to his teaching assignments, Chris has a professional tax preparation business. He is a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer and an IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP). Prior to his teaching career he was trader/general partner at COB Capital, hedge fund trader at Parallax Fund, and assistant treasurer/money market trader at European American Bank. He received his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics in 1995 and his Master of Business Administration in 2004 from Lehigh University at Bethlehem, PA and his Master of Science in Financial and Tax Planning in 2004 from San Diego State University. Among his academic honors, he received the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors Scholarship.

Kimberly Plummer has over 30 years of experience in education, 18 as a classroom teacher in San Diego Unified School District. Leveraging her classroom experience, she transitioned into the educational publishing field and has served as a national Humanities Consultant, Consultant Manager, Curriculum Manager, and is currently the Director of Product Marketing for ELL/ELD and Spanish markets at Benchmark Education Company. She remains active in the History Social-Science community and regularly serves as a judge for the We the People Competition and San Diego County History Day. Kimberly graduated from The University of San Diego and holds a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from Pt. Loma Nazarene College.

Naomi Probe is a lecturer of Economics at San Diego State University and California State University, San Marcos. Prior to teaching, she worked as a Financial Administrative manager for a small business in hazardous construction San Diego where she continues to serve on its management board as an economic advisor. Naomi graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor's in Economics and from Ohio University with a Master's in Financial Economics. 

Toya Milawnn Profit is the Program Manager, Teaching and Learning for History-Social Science and Ethnic Studies at the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD). Prior to her tenure at SDUSD, Toya taught history and English at Yaohua Experimental School in Shenzhen, China and was an educator and therapeutic counselor at Eckerd Youth Alternatives in Brooksville, FL. Toya earned her BA in Theater at the University of Iowa and her MA in History at National University. Among her many skills and accomplishment, Toya is adept in performing Needs Assessments and Gap Analyses to determine topics for development and achieve all project and program deliverables; applying a wide range of creative learning strategies to motivate and inspire others to achieve desired outcomes; using creatively educational methods, learning theories, assessment, evaluation, technology, communication,  and collaboration skills to successfully navigate and complete complex projects and ensuring the continuity of curriculum and utilize various behavioral management techniques while working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures to ensure learning success for all. In addition to her membership on the SDCEE Advisory Board, Toya is a member of the La Jolla Playhouse Leadership Council.

Gloria Rogers is the Vice President of School & Community Development at North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union, in which she supports the education outreach in Southern California.   This includes financial literacy, scholarships, teacher grants and sponsorship opportunities.  Gloria continuously looks for ways to be involved in the communities they serve; she serves on the Classroom of the Future Foundation Development Committee which works to support students through the San Diego County Office of Education thrive in a competitive global society.  She also serves as the Board Treasurer and Secretary on the Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Los Angeles County Office of Education and a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Education Audit Committee. Gloria has been in the credit union industry for over 16 years.  She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Management and Human Resources from CA State Polytechnic University, Pomona.  She is passionate about helping people and providing resources, especially to those in socio-economically disadvantaged areas.

Ramiro (Ray) Rojas, Jr. has over 26 years of Head Start experience. He has designed and implemented 21st century strategies and techniques for the training and professional development of Head Start and Early Head Start Educators, Family Support staff, Program Content Specialists, Board of Directors and Policy Committee members. He is considered a leader and expert in the use of data analysis and assessment of management systems and services to ascertain statically probable solutions to sustainable outcomes for children and families. Ray has coordinated grant development, edited and subsequently approved Head Start policies and procedures for various Head Start agencies. He has conducted independent research utilizing a variety of resources to simplify Child and Family Outcomes. Using program data, he ensures compliance with contracts, regulations and deadlines. Acting in concert with local, county, state and federal agencies and organizations, he has executed evaluations, interpreted assessments, screenings, and participated with multi-disciplinary assessment teams to develop recommendations, implementation strategies and monitoring approaches for system and service management of family services.

Brad Scott serves as Faculty of Economics at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (NC) and an Adjunct Professor of Business Statistics at Gardner-Webb University (NC). He is currently a doctoral student (D.B.A.) in economics at Gardner-Webb University and an incoming visiting student at Libera Università di Bolzano (Bolzano, Italy). Brad holds a M.S. in Applied Economics from Southern New Hampshire University (NH) and B.A. in Political Science from Lenoir-Rhyne University (NC). Prior to life in higher education, Brad taught middle school math and business education courses, as well as having a decade of experience in the private-sector. He has completed research and academic work in applied economics and economics education. During his free time, he enjoys serving as a Director for the SNHU Alumni Association and visiting Manchester, NH each fall for homecoming.

With over twenty five years experience in personal finance, Michael Snyder is currently Vice-President of Highline Investment Partners, Inc. Mr. Snyder began a career in operations with Merrill Lynch, following as a Branch Manager with Quick & Reilly, Inc. He has continued working in investments, as an Investment Advisor Representative with Highline Investment Partners, Inc. and specializes in retirement planning, college planning, and investments. He has extensive experience in investments and insurance products.   Taking some time to be more involved in the community he worked to further his education and received a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and worked with several schools as a substitute teacher and continues to be involved as a volunteer in the schools teaching bank and finance components. He also has expanded his experience in working with various non-profit organizations and stays further involved in education as cluster co-Chair for Madison High School with the San Diego Unified School District and as President of the Clairemont Mesa Education Foundation representing nineteen schools in the Clairemont community. His current focus with the schools is developing strong community support through partnerships with various Universities, Corporations and education related organizations though out San Diego.

Carmen Solorzano is the Programs Manager at the California Council on Economic Education (CCEE). She is a native Californian, born and raised in South Los Angeles by her immigrant family from El Salvador. She is a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts with a specialization in Childhood Studies Option from California State University, East Bay.

Carmen began her professional journey with the CCEE in 2018. Over the years, she has steadily risen within the nonprofit sector and currently holds the position of Programs Manager.

Carmen's unwavering passion lies in the economics and personal finance programs that CCEE offers to K-12 schools and communities. This zeal is fueled by her earnest desire to extend invaluable resources to communities that resonate deeply with her own background and experiences.

Steven W. Sumner, PhD, is a professor of economics in the School of Business at the University of San Diego. He holds a BA in economics and mathematics from Calvin College and a MA and PhD in economics from the University of California, San Diego.  A member of the Department of Economics in the School of Business since 2003, Dr. Sumner specializes in macroeconomics, monetary economics, banking and applied econometrics.  Prior to his graduate work he spent several years working at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington D.C.   Dr. Sumner has taught a variety of courses during his fifteen years at USD.  These courses include undergraduate courses in macroeconomics, money and banking, and statistics as well as graduate courses in economics, statistics, and decision making.  Along with three other faculty members, he has developed an interdisciplinary cluster of courses that focus on sexuality as a diversity issue. Additionally, Dr. Sumner has supported USD efforts to advance global citizenship by leading study abroad programs in London, Florence, and Antigua, Guatemala. Dr. Sumner’s primary research interest is in understanding the importance of financial intermediation for the distortion of economic shocks to the real economy.  Professor Sumner has published ten scholarly articles, including an influential stream of research on monetary policy transmission. His published articles have appeared in the Journal of Monetary Economics, European Economic Review, Canadian Journal of Economics, and Economica.  He recently branched out into pedagogical research that examines the impact of incorporating sexual diversity education implemented in a cluster-course approach using common learning experiences and outcomes. Dr. Sumner’s service contributions to USD and the School of Business have twice been recognized with the SBA Faculty Service Award in 2013 and 2015.  He is a member of the President’s Cabinet, Secretary of the Faculty Senate, Chair of the School of Business ARRT Committee, and has advised numerous student groups.  He is proud to be an advocate of the LGBTQ community on campus having previously served as a Rainbow Educator, a safe space ally, and an advisor of PRIDE.

Diana Torres is the Financial Aid Programs Specialist at Grossmont College in El Cajon, CA. Among her noteworthy accomplishments, Diana leads highly regarded personal finance activities for high-risk students at Grossmont College and for inmates at Las Colinas Detention Facility. Prior to her current position, Diana was Title V Outreach/Assessment Specialist, Program Specialist, CTE Transitions Program Specialist and Health and Science Pipeline Initiative Program Specialist for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Auxiliary. Diana is a Senator on the Grossmont College Classified Senate, the Classified Senate Representative on the Student Success and Equity Committee. She is also a member of the Basic Needs Taskforce and on the Financial Wellness Taskforce at Grossmont College. Diana is described by her peers as personable and focused on a high-touch approach with a dynamic ability to build positive rapport and meaningful connections with people of diverse populations. She is a passionate and committed team player dedicated to delivering the highest quality of authentic care and reliable information, an effective communicator and is bilingual in Spanish and English. Diana earned her BA in Interdisciplinary Studies at National University.

Rohn S. Trieglaff, CLU, AIF® owns and operates a boutique fiduciary employee benefit consulting business. He specializes in company retirement and group insurance plans. He has been a volunteer board member of the Economic Education Foundation of San Diego (EconEd) for the past nineteen years and is currently the presiding President. Rohn is also a board member of California Council on Economic Education (CCEE) and the San Diego Center for Economic Education (SDCEE). Rohn was the 2008 recipient of CCEE’s Adam’s Apple Award.

Keith Turner is Interim Associate Dean of Student Services and Special Programs at Cuyamaca College. Prior to his role at Cuyamaca College, Keith performed various administrative duties at the San Diego Unified School District, Grossmont College, and the University of East London. In addition to his administrative duties, Keith has taught business courses at a number of colleges in the greater San Diego area and is a Certified Personal Trainer. He sits on the advisory boards of the California Business Education Association and Love Urban Youth University. Keith has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Community College leadership from San Diego State University, a Master of International Business Management from the University of East London, and a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management from Minnesota State University at Moorhead and an associate degree from Cuyamaca College. In his spare time, Keith enjoys going to the gym, reading self-help books, and trading stocks.

Pamela White, Senior Economic Development Coordinator, has over thirty years of local government experience, and has worked for the City of Santee since 1985. She is responsible for economic development and business recruitment. She has also managed the city’s redevelopment, housing, and risk management programs. Ms. White began her career as Assistant to the Executive Director for the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, and later worked with the City of Cathedral City as Public Information Officer. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from San Bernardino State University, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from University of San Diego. She is a 25year member of the International City Management Association and served on the Executive Board of the Municipal Management Assistants of Southern California. She has also served as President of the San Diego Pooled Insurance Program Authority. Pam and her husband have one daughter.

Linné Wienke is Assistant Professor of Economics at Southwestern College. She earned her bachelor's degree in economics and German Literature from the University of California, San Diego and a master's degree in economics from American University, Washington D.C.  She is a advisor for the Business Club and the Economics Club at Southwestern College. She has also served as Advancing Equity Teaching Academy Mentor and as the Work-Based Learning Coordinator at Southwestern College. Through her membership in the Women in Economics Leadership Network, she works with Women in Economics Clubs at colleges and universities throughout the United States to encourage women to enter the economics profession. In her spare time, she reads over 50 books a year about teaching, economics, mysteries, entrepreneurship, and productivity. It's no wonder that she's been a Read San Diego volunteer. She also enjoys photography and her pets. 

Mark J. Zacovic served as president of Cuyamaca College, with about 9,000 students in Rancho San Diego between 2011 and 2015. He led the college through some of the toughest budgetary challenges in the institution’s 37-year history, ensuring that students continued to receive a quality education while dealing with dramatic spending cuts from Sacramento.   Zacovic’s previous posts include executive vice president of instruction and student services at Victor Valley Community College in Victorville; vice chancellor of administrative services at Contra Costa Community College; vice president of administrative services at the Pasadena Area Community College District; superintendent/president of the Mount San Jacinto Community College District; vice chancellor of business operations and fiscal services at the Rancho Santiago Community College District; vice president of business services at Lake Tahoe Community College; and Director of Academic Services at Santa Barbara City College. Although retired, Zacovic continues to serve community colleges throughout California in interim administrative positions. He served as president of the board of the Association for Chief Business Officials for California Community Colleges and was the statewide recipient of the association’s 2006 Outstanding Chief Business Officer Award. Zacovic has held other statewide leadership positions, including a term as president of the board of directors of the Association of California Community College Administrators. He has had extensive experience in college accreditation, both at the colleges he has served and as an accreditation visitor at 14 campuses over the past few years. His introduction to Cuyamaca College came as a member of the 2000 accreditation team. Born and raised in Whittier, California, Zacovic earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He received a master’s degree in business administration from Whittier College, and earned a doctorate in educational leadership with an emphasis in higher education from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Anthony Zambelli, J.D. has been an instructor in the Business and Professional Studies Department at Cuyamaca College since 1979. He is a recipient of the Cuyamaca College President’s Award, the Award for Teaching Excellence and the Rainbow Award for service to the college community. He also received the Alfred Lord Whitehead Award for Teaching Excellence at the University of Redlands. Dr. Zambelli received a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1972, and in Economics in 1974 at California State University, Stanislaus. He received his Master of Arts degree in Economics from Fresno State University in 1976 and a Juris Doctorate from National University in 1990. He has received a number of academic honors including the American Jurisprudence Award for Legal Scholarship and the West Publishing Award of Outstanding Legal Scholastic Achievement. He was a California State Scholar, a Congressional Intern, and attended the Institute for Comparative Economic and Political Systems at Georgetown University and the Institute on Entrepreneurial Education at Pepperdine University. Dr. Zambelli is a member of the El Cajon Kiwanis and the Elks Lodge of El Cajon where he’s been Kiwanian of the Year and Elk of the Year.

Anastasia Zavodny currently teaches a variety of Economics and Business courses at several local community colleges. Anastasia began her studies at Palomar College, earning an A.A. degree before transferring to UC San Diego, where she earned her B.S. in Management Science with minors in International Studies and Mathematics. She completed her graduate studies at UC Santa Barbara, earning an M.A. in Economics with an emphasis in Business Economics and a second M.A. in Statistics. Outside of the classroom, Anastasia serves on several committees including Faculty Senate, the executive board of a faculty union, and the statewide Academic Senate for California Community Colleges’ Part-Time Faculty Committee. Anastasia was selected as the Adjunct recipient for Palomar College’s Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching for the academic year 2021-2022.